Regardless of the generation in which we live, the definitions of modesty, chastity, and purity do not change. Lust is as much of a sin now as it was 2,000 years ago. Leading others into the occasion of sin, is as much of a sin, as the sin it promotes. Sins of lust and desire of flesh are mortal sins, and their punishment is that of eternal hell. Dressing in such a way, that undermines modesty and chastity are grievous sins against God.

Christ Himself said (Matthew 5:28) “….that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

This reality does not ‘change with the times’. It doesn’t care about the latest fashions. It doesn’t pay any heed to what the world thinks is socially acceptable. It doesn’t care how ‘comfortable’ leggings (as pants!) feel. Mortal sin is mortal sin.

Fortunately, modesty and chastity are 2 of the 12 fruits of the Holy Ghost. We can preserve our souls, and honor God, by adhering to the Marylike Standards of Modesty in Dress. The following are the Marylike Standards as were understood in the 1950’s. While the everyday wear of ‘dresses’ has waned since that time, simply replace the word ‘dresses’ with ‘clothing. The Marylike Standards of concealing the figure, as opposed to revealing the figure, are timeless ideals to strive for in attaining salvation.

Marylike Standards

Marylike is modest without compromise, “like Mary,” Christ’s Mother.

Marylike dresses have sleeves extending at least to the elbows, and skirts reaching below the knees.

Marylike dresses require full coverage for the bodice, chest, shoulders and back; except for a cut-out about the neck not exceeding two inches below the neckline in front and in the back, and a corresponding two inches on the shoulders.

Marylike dresses do not admit as modest coverage transparent fabrics – laces, nets, organdy, nylons, etc. – unless sufficient backing is added. However, their moderate use as trimming is acceptable.

Marylike dresses avoid the improper use of flesh-colored fabrics.

Marylike dresses conceal rather than reveal the figure of the wearer; they do not emphasize, unduly, parts of the body.

Marylike dresses provide full coverage, even after jacket, cape, or stole are removed.

“Marylike” fashions are designed to conceal as much of the body as possible, rather than reveal. This would automatically eliminate such fashions as tight slacks, jeans, sweaters, shorts; shorts which do not reach down to the knees; sheer blouses and sleeveless dresses; etc. The Marylike Standards are a guide to instill a “sense of modesty.” A girl who follows these, and looks up to Mary as her ideal and model, will have no problem with modesty in dress. She will not be an occasion of sin or a source of embarrassment or shame to others.

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Purity

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Virgin Most Pure, mindful of the terrible moral dangers threatening on all sides, and aware of my own human weakness, I voluntarily place myself, body and soul, this day and always, under thy loving maternal care and protection.

I consecrate to thee my body, with all its members, asking thee to help me never to use it as an occasion of sin to others. Help me to remember that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and to use it according to God’s Holy Will, for my own personal salvation, and the salvation of others.

I consecrate to thee my soul, asking thee to watch over it, and bring it home safe to thee and to Jesus in Heaven for all eternity.

O Mary, my Mother, all that I am, all that I have is thine. Keep me and guard me under thy mantle of mercy as thy property and possession.